Brighton come into this one with real momentum. Fabian Hurzeler's side have been sharp in pre-season, beating Strasbourg 4-3 and Roma 3-0, and there's a buzz around the Amex. That 1-0 win over a tricky opponent, with Jack Hinshelwood growing in influence, shows this is a squad that's clicking early. They've got European football on the horizon too — a Conference League play-off against Tromso — and that hunger to prove themselves on multiple fronts can only sharpen their focus domestically. This is a Brighton side that smells opportunity.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, are never easy to face. They're organised, they're physical, and they've got a clear identity. But there's a question mark over their sharpness in this early-season fixture. Emery's sides often take a few games to hit full throttle, and away from home, against a Brighton team that presses with such intensity, that slow start can be punished. Villa will be compact, they'll look to frustrate, but they might not have the legs to match Brighton's energy for the full 90. The home side look the sharper outfit right now.